Nationals’ Bryce Harper Has No Structural Damage to Left Knee

Gary Bogdon/MLB Photos via Getty Images(DENVER) — Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper has no structural damage to his ailing left knee that forced him to be placed on the disabled list.

Harper received a cortisone injection and will wear a brace in order to properly rest the joint.

“We want him to rest the knee,” Nationals trainer Lee Kuntz said. “That’s why we put him in the immobilizer. It’s kind of a reminder for him to stay off it.”

Harper, 20, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 1, retroactive to May 27. Even though he was eligible to return Tuesday, Harper is not expected back for at least another 10 days.

Harper leads the team with 12 home runs and was looking to build upon his 2012 National League Rookie of the Year campaign. Heading into Wednesday night, the Nationals rank 29th in Major League Baseball in runs scored.